The Montana Motor Vehicle Division, also known as the Montana DMV, handles all driver licensing and motor vehicle registration in the state of Montana. The DMV oversees millions of driver licenses and motor vehicle titles and registrations across the state.
Forms
The Montana DMV provides many forms online for driver license and motor vehicle services. Some common forms include:
- Driver License Application – Use this form to apply for a new Montana driver license or transfer an out-of-state license.
- Vehicle Registration Renewal – Use this form to renew your Montana vehicle registration if there are no changes.
- Title Application – Use this form to apply for a new title on a vehicle purchased in Montana.
- Power of Attorney – Give someone power of attorney to conduct DMV transactions on your behalf.
All forms can be downloaded from the DMV website and printed for submission via mail or in person. Check the DMV website for full instructions on submitting forms.
Registration Renewal
The Montana DMV allows registration renewal every 12 months based on the owner’s birthday for private vehicles. Registration can be renewed:
- Online – Renew your registration quickly on the DMV website.
- By Mail – Mail in the renewal notice form with payment.
- In Person – Visit a DMV office to renew in person.
Registration renewal is required to keep your vehicle legally registered in Montana. Make sure to renew on time to avoid lapses in registration.
Appointment Scheduling
The Montana DMV offers appointment scheduling for many transactions that require an in-person visit. Appointments can be booked online for:
- Driver license written tests
- Driving tests
- REAL ID driver licenses
- Title transfers
- Registration issues
Booking an appointment ensures you can complete your DMV tasks without long wait times. Appointments can be booked on the DMV website up to 3 months in advance.
Montana Driver Exam Stations
The DMV has over 40 driver exam stations across Montana where you can take your written knowledge test and road skills test for a driver license. Driver exam stations are located in:
- Billings
- Bozeman
- Butte
- Great Falls
- Helena
- Kalispell
And many other cities and towns. Find the driver exam station nearest you on the DMV website. Study the driver manual and practice tests before visiting a driver exam station.
2024 Drivers Manual
The Montana DMV produces a new drivers manual each year. The 2024 drivers manual covers:
- Traffic laws
- Safe driving tips
- License application process
- Road signs
Read and study the 2024 drivers manual to prepare for your knowledge test. Many practice test questions come directly from information in the manual. Download the PDF manual free online.
Montana License Renewals
Montana driver licenses must be renewed every 8 years. You can renew your driver license:
- Online – The quickest and easiest option for license renewal.
- By Mail – Submit your renewal notice by mail with proper payment.
- In Person – Visit a DMV office to renew your license in person.
The DMV will mail you a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires. Make sure your address is up to date so you receive this important notice.
License Plates
Montana issues over 100 different license plate designs. Plates can be customized with special backgrounds and slogans for an additional fee.
To get new plates you must visit a DMV office and:
- Turn in old plates (if you have them)
- Provide current registration
- Pay applicable plate fees
Standard plates cost $10-$15 for a basic background design. Custom plates cost $50-$200 depending on customization.
Montana Drivers License
To get a new Montana driver license you must:
- Provide proof of identity and residency
- Pass vision and knowledge tests
- Pass a road driving test
- Pay the license fee
Montana issues REAL ID compliant licenses which require extra documentation. Use the Document Checklist on the DMV site to ensure you bring proper documents.
Contact DMV
Contact the Montana DMV:
- Online – Contact form and live chat available
- Phone – Call (406) 444-3933
- In person – Visit a DMV office
Check the DMV website for office hours, directions, and a complete list of department phone numbers.
